Polymyositis is a disease that causes chronic muscle inflammation and weakness.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Understanding Polymyositis
Polymyositis is a rare inflammatory myopathy, a group of diseases characterized by inflammation of the muscles. In polymyositis, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks muscle tissue. This leads to:
- Muscle Inflammation: Muscles become irritated and swollen.
- Muscle Weakness: The inflamed muscles progressively weaken, making everyday tasks difficult.
- Muscle Breakdown: Over time, the muscle tissue can start to break down.
Symptoms of Polymyositis
The symptoms of polymyositis can develop gradually, often over weeks or months. Common symptoms include:
- Progressive Muscle Weakness: Affects muscles closer to the trunk of the body, such as those in the hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms, and neck. This can lead to difficulty:
- Rising from a chair
- Climbing stairs
- Lifting objects
- Raising arms overhead
- Holding the head up
- Fatigue: Feeling tired and weak, even after rest.
- Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Weakness in the throat muscles can make it hard to swallow food or liquids.
- Voice Changes: Weakness in the vocal cord muscles can lead to a hoarse or nasal voice.
- Muscle Pain or Tenderness: Although not always present, some people experience muscle pain or tenderness.
- Shortness of Breath: In some cases, the muscles involved in breathing can be affected.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing polymyositis typically involves:
- Physical Exam: Assessment of muscle strength and reflexes.
- Blood Tests: To check for elevated levels of muscle enzymes (such as creatine kinase) and specific antibodies.
- Electromyography (EMG): To measure the electrical activity of muscles.
- Muscle Biopsy: To examine a small sample of muscle tissue under a microscope.
Treatment for polymyositis aims to reduce inflammation, improve muscle strength, and manage symptoms. Common treatments include:
- Corticosteroids: Such as prednisone, to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.
- Immunosuppressants: Such as methotrexate or azathioprine, to further suppress the immune system and reduce the need for high doses of corticosteroids.
- Physical Therapy: To help maintain and improve muscle strength and flexibility.
- Speech Therapy: To address swallowing difficulties.
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): To provide healthy antibodies to help regulate the immune system.
In summary, polymyositis is a rare autoimmune disease causing muscle inflammation, weakness, and potential breakdown, requiring medical diagnosis and treatment to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
